Superstar Puerto Rican rapper Daddy Yankee stunned fans by announcing that he plans to give up his international music career to devote his life to Christ.
The 46-year-old hitmaker known as the “King of Reggaeton” declared at the final show of his farewell tour that everything he has, including “music, social networks, platforms, a microphone,” would now be used “for His Kingdom.”
“I realized something the Bible says: What good will it be for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” said the rapper in Spanish, quoting the passage from Mark 8:36.
“That is why, tonight, I recognize — and I am not ashamed to tell the whole world — that Jesus lives in me, and that I will live for Him,” he told the cheering sold-out crowd at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico.
Daddy Yankee, known for his hits “Gasolina” and “Lo Que Paso, Paso,” announced in March 2022 that he would be retiring at the end of his “La Meta [The Goal]” tour, which was timed to the release of the album “Legendaddy.”
The rapper, who has sold an estimated 30 million records, did not offer details on his reasons until Sunday’s show.
“My people, this day for me is the most important day of my life,” said Daddy Yankee. “And I want to share it with you because living a life of success is not the same as living a life with purpose.”
He continued: “I have to confess that those days are over. Someone was able to fill that emptiness.”
Rapper Daddy Yankee’s retirement announcement to devote his life to Jesus 👇
— Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) December 5, 2023
My people, this day for me is the most important day of my life. And I want to share it with you because living a life of success is not the same as living a life with purpose. That is why tonight, I… pic.twitter.com/wKQ2asSXYL
The rapper, who says he will now go by his birth name, Ramon Ayala, thanked his fans and said “I hope that you walk with me in this new beginning.”
“To all the people who followed me, follow Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth and the life,” he said. “Just like Jesus, with His mercy, allowed me to travel the world, in your mercy, Father, I hope You allow me to evangelize the world from Puerto Rico. Amen.”
His accolades include five Latin Grammy Awards and two Billboard Music Awards, as well as being named to the Time 100 in 2006.
His 2017 smash “Despacito” with Luis Fonsi became the first Spanish-language song to reach No. 1 one on the Billboard Hot 100 since “Macarena” in 1996.
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.
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